14-week training program

Transcription

1 HALF MARATHON 14-week training program

2 T H E G O A L O F T H I S P L A N I S N T T O G E T Y O U A C R O S S T H E F I N I S H L I N E, I T S T O G E T T H E B E S T V E R S I O N O F Y O U A C R O S S T H E F I N I S H L I N E.

3 contents 04 Introduction 05 Weekly Workouts 06 Pace Chart 09 Glossary 10 If You Half-Marathon Week-By-Week Overview 12 Weeks Sample Plan Breakdown

4 THIS 14-WEEK TRAINING PLAN COMBINES, AND TO GET YOU READY TO TACKLE A HALF-MARATHON. Before diving straight into the training plan, read all of the material to ensure you get the most out of it. This plan is built to adapt to your experience level, but it s also uniquely flexible to your needs. Here s what you should know to get the most out of the Nike+ Run Club Training Plan: IT S NOT JUST ABOUT DISTANCE This training plan is built to help you to maximize your efforts on race day through Speed, Endurance and Recovery. THIS Plan WORKS FOR YOU Your schedule varies. So does the weather and how you feel, but here are a few things to keep in mind as you modify this plan to your needs: Speed and Endurance Runs are essential parts of the plan to maximize your training. You have four Recovery days use them to break up your Speed and Endurance Runs. Avoid doing Speed and Endurance runs on back-to-back days. Use Recovery days as you choose. You can run a few miles, cross train or take a rest. We recommend running on two of your four Recovery days. Stay within the recommended distance ranges during Endurance and Recovery Day runs. TRAINING STARTS WHEN YOU START This plan was designed around a 14-week schedule for maximum results. It was built to adapt to your experience level and intended to be uniquely flexible to your needs as you prepare to tackle a Half-Marathon. Whether you re eight or fourteen weeks from race day, you can jump into this program whenever it suits you. You re in control of what you put into the program. TOOLS TO TAKE YOU FARTHER You ran those miles. Now claim them. Share your progress with the Nike+ Running App to get cheers, motivation and encouragement from your friends. The N+TC App is a great way to add cross-training to your schedule. 04

5 weekly WORKOUTS This plan includes three types of workout activities each week. All three are important to get the fittest, strongest and fastest version of you to the finish line. Building strength through speed training is important as you prepare. Throughout this plan you ll be introduced to a variety of speed workouts and drills that will make you faster. You need endurance training to help prepare your body and mind to go the distance on race day. You will work on endurance with weekly Long Runs. Recovering from your workout days is just as important as the workouts themselves. Use these days to recover based on how you feel. Either take the day off, try a N+TC workout or go for a few Recovery miles. 05

6 how to use the pace chart Throughout the plan, you will see references to different paces you should aim to maintain during specific workouts. Over the course of your training, you will run using different pace targets. Knowing your pace targets will make your speed work easier. Treat each pace target as the middle of a range. You may train slightly above or below these paces. They are not exact paces and you are not a robot. The chart on page 8 will help you understand which pace you should aim to run during each session. FIND YOUR STARTING PACE To get started, you ll need to identify the row of pace targets that is right for you. You can find the right row based on any of the following: Use a recent 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon or Marathon time, if you have run one. By recent we mean in the last month or two. Use the Nike+ Running App and go on a few runs to determine your average pace. This will be your Recovery day pace. If you already run often, you could make an educated guess based on your current fitness. Whichever one you use, this will be your starting point to find your row of pace targets within the Pace Chart. 06

7 FOR EXAMPLE If your last race was a 27:00 minute 5K, find that 5K time under the 5K column on the Pace Chart and slide across the row left or right to find your other pace targets. In this case, the pace targets would be as follows: MILE BEST 5K BEST / 10K BEST / TEMPO HALF MARATHON BEST / MARATHON BEST / DAY PACE 8:00 27:00 / 8:40 55:50 / 9:00 9:25 2:05:00 / 9:30 4:15:00 / 9:45 10:30 Start with your 5k Best / Avg Mile Pace and read left or right. ANOTHER EXAMPLE If your Mile Best time is 9:30, find that Mile Best time on the Pace Chart and slide across to see your other average mile pace targets. Here, your pace targets would be as follows: MILE BEST 5K BEST / 10K BEST / TEMPO HALF MARATHON BEST / MARATHON BEST / DAY PACE 9:30 31:45 / 10:15 66:00 / 10:35 11:00 2:25:00 / 11:05 5:00:00 / 11:25 12:10 Start with your Mile Best and read right for your other pace targets. THINGS TO KNOW When you have your range of pace targets, it helps to understand a few things about how you will use them: During your training there will be days you may be a little ahead of pace, and other days a little behind. Remember that the paces are only to be used as a guide. You will have good days and bad days so be flexible with your expectations. Hopefully, you will be increasing your fitness each week and your paces will increase in speed as you go. When this plan is over and you head out for race day be confident in all the work you have done. It is that work that will take you to new fitness levels, faster paces, this starting line and the all the ones beyond. 07

8 Pace chart MILE BEST 5K BEST / 10K BEST / TEMPO HALF MARATHON BEST / MARATHON BEST / DAY PACE 5:00 17:05 / 5:30 35:45 / 5:45 6:05 1:18:00 / 6:00 2:44:00 / 6:15 7:00 5:30 18:45 / 6:00 39:00 / 6:15 6:35 1:25:00 / 6:30 3:00:00 / 6:50 7:35 6:00 20:15 / 6:30 42:00 / 6:45 7:05 1:35:00 / 7:15 3:15:00 / 7:25 8:10 6:30 22:00 / 7:05 45:45 / 7:20 7:40 1:40:00 / 7:35 3:30:00 / 8:00 8:45 7:00 23:45 / 7:40 49:00 / 7:55 8:15 1:50:00 / 8:20 3:45:00 / 8:35 9:20 7:30 25:15 / 8:05 52:30 / 8:25 8:50 1:55:00 / 8:45 4:00:00 / 9:10 9:55 8:00 27:00 / 8:40 55:50 / 9:00 9:25 2:05:00 / 9:30 4:15:00 / 9:45 10:30 8:30 28:30 / 9:10 59:00 / 9:30 9:55 2:10:00 / 9:55 4:30:00 / 10:15 11:00 9:00 30:00 / 9:40 62:30 / 10:00 10:30 2:20:00 / 10:40 4:45:00 / 10:50 11:35 9:30 31:45 / 10:15 66:00 / 10:35 11:00 2:25:00 / 11:05 5:00:00 / 11:25 12:10 10:00 33:00 / 10:40 69:00 / 11:05 11:35 2:35:00 / 11:45 5:15:00 / 12:00 12:45 10:30 35:00 / 11:15 72:00 / 11:35 12:00 2:40:00 / 12:10 5:30:00 / 12:35 13:20 11:00 36:15 / 11:40 75:00 / 12:00 12:35 2:50:00 / 12:55 5:40:00 / 13:00 13:45 11:30 38:00 / 12:15 78:30 / 12:35 13:00 2:55:00 / 13:15 5:50:00 / 13:20 14:05 12:00 39:30 / 12:40 81:30 / 13:05 13:35 3:05:00 / 14:05 6:00:00 / 13:45 14:30 08

9 glossary This glossary elaborates on the running-specific terms you ll see referenced throughout this plan. It s important to understand the different types of runs that this plan includes in order to get the most out of the full training journey. WORKOUTS The best way to improve your fastest pace is to work on it for brief periods in a series of speed intervals. They can be the same length and pace with the same amount of recovery time, or can involve various distances, paces and recovery periods. Long intervals, Fartlek, Tempo and Hill Runs are all Speed workouts. See Types of Runs below for definitions of these. Your weekly Endurance Run is a long distance run at a comfortable pace. It is an essential part of your training that helps the body and mind adapt to increased distances. It also helps you get familiar with the physical and mental challenges that you might face during a race. This run should be run as a Progression Run. See Types of Runs for a definition of Progression Run. Recovery is just as important as your hard workouts. Listen to what your body needs on recovery days, whether that means taking the day off completely, cross-training with the N+TC App or running a few Recovery miles. Ideally, at least two of your Recovery days should be spent running. Recovery Runs increase your stamina and help you recover at the highest quality possible after intense training. They should be run as Progression Runs. See Types of Runs below for a definition of Progression Run. PROGRESSION Progression Runs improve stamina and allow the body to adapt to the stress of running. Build your pace over the course of each run by starting at a slower than Recovery Pace and finishing at a faster than Recovery Pace. Over the course of the run you will average your Recovery Pace. Your Endurance and Recovery Runs should always be run as Progression Runs. TYPES OF RUNS track Track refers to a session that includes a series of speed intervals. Ideally, this type of a workout is done on a track as the surface allows you to play with faster paces with precise measurements, but it can be done just about anywhere. You may choose to use city blocks, traffic lights or even trees as interval markers. strides Strides refer to very short runs that are usually done prior to a run or workout, or immediately after. A series of strides should become faster in paceoften, the first Stride will be the longest and the slowest. There should be a brief recovery between each Stride. FARTLEK Fartleks work on speed and strength by alternating distances and paces during a continuous run. An example Fartlek workout structure could be one minute running easy followed by one minute running hard, repeated for a certain amount of minutes, miles or alternating every city block. SPLIT INTERVALS Split Intervals refers to running two different paces in one interval. For example, running a 400-meter interval, with the first 200 meters easy and the last 200 meters fast. This effectively divides the interval into two parts. HILLS Hill workouts develop speed and form. It takes extra effort to run uphill so you do not need to run as fast as you would on a flat section. While running uphill, remain in control of your breathing. Don t lean too far forward. A light lean with the chin leading the chest is enough. Uphills are a great way to develop speed and strength with minimal pounding on the legs. TEMPO Tempo is a hard but controlled pace that can be run as long intervals or a steady run of 1-10 miles. The purpose of a Tempo Run is to build mental and physical endurance and to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. TURNAROUNDS Turnarounds are practiced during short intervals. Rather than stopping at the end of an interval, run through the line and turn around as quickly and safely as you can to start the next repeat. TYPES OF PACES MILE PACE (FASTEST) 5K PACE (FASTER) 10K PACE (FAST) TEMPO PACE PACE (EASY) This is the pace you could This is the pace you could race This is the pace you could race Teaching your body to be comfort- A pace easy enough that you can race or run hard for one mile. or run hard for about 3 miles. or run hard for about 6 miles. able being uncomfortable by main- catch your breath while running. taining a pace between 10k (FAST) and Recovery (EASY). 09

10 If you... Everyone s training journey is different. But there are some recurring challenges and questions that many runners encounter along the way. Here s how to understand and overcome these common hurdles on your road to race day. If your schedule does not match the training schedule, Then adjust the training schedule to your needs. For best results, each week should include the three key workouts Speed, Endurance and Recovery. Prioritize Speed and Endurance workouts and make sure you recover intelligently. If you don t know how to figure out your pace, Then experiment until you find it. When you re out running, you run on feel. You have different gears whether you realize it or not. Be patient, pay attention and have fun experimenting with your comfort level while running at different speeds across different distances. Use the Nike+ Running App while you run to keep track your paces, and use at our Pace Chart guidelines on page 06 to find your pace targets. 10 if you re tired, Figure out why. Feeling fatigued is normal as your training progresses, but make sure you re supporting yourself in all other aspects of your life: get enough sleep, eat right, hydrate properly, respect Recovery days and wear the proper shoes. Sometimes the best training is to focus on recovery and rest. if you lack motivation, Look for inspiration. Even where you don t expect to find it like on a run that you don t want to do. Go out for ten minutes and if you don t feel like running anymore then come back. Just make sure you come back running. If you have a terrible run, Move on to the next one. Some runs are just terrible sometimes there s no reason, sometimes there is. Take a moment to see if there s a reason and learn something about yourself if there is. Being comfortable with a bad run is just as important as the joy of a great run. if you re hurt, Stop running. There is a difference between hurting and being hurt. It s essential to listen to and learn from your body throughout your training. Sometimes missing miles in the present lets you run better miles in the future. if you are going to race, Give yourself time to recover beforehand and afterwards. You may want to back off in terms of distance or pace a few days prior to the race. Be sure to give yourself a few days of recovery after it s over too (regardless of whether or not you consider it a successful race).of whether or not you consider it a successful race).

11 Week-By-Week Overview This 14-week training plan combines Speed, Endurance and Recovery to get you ready to tackle a Half-Marathon. This plan is built for you to adapt to your experience level and your schedule. The plan starts when you do, so weeks count down from 14 weeks down to one allowing you to jump in whenever you need to. 14 WEEKS TO GO A STARTING LINE 13 WEEKS TO GO Set Good Habits 12 WEEKS TO GO Develop Consistency This week you will begin your 14-week journey with a series of runs and light workouts that will introduce you to the training plan. Time to develop new habits. This week draws special attention to the how and why of the training. Work on building stamina and proper pacing on workout days. In your third week of training, you will now begin to feel a rhythm to your running. The secret to running well is consistency. 11 WEEKS TO GO Learn to focus 10 WEEKS TO GO BUILD UP STRENGTH 9 WEEKS TO GO PUSH Training this week may tax you both physically and mentally. Be focused in the moment and by preparing ahead of time for each day s workout. The training so far has had its greatest effect on your strength. This week you will test that by taking on more strength work. Your endurance has improved. This week you will put it to work. Longer intervals and a longer Long Run are on the menu. 8 WEEKS TO GO PICK UP THE PACE 7 WEEKS TO GO LOOK AHEAD 6 WEEKS TO GO EMBRACE FAST This week, you re going to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Break out of the paces you ve set for yourself and try experimenting with new paces that test your limits. This week, training shifts from foundational running and base workouts to getting race ready. You have been getting faster each week. Now it s time to be as fast as you can. This week you will be working on both your speed and strength. 5 WEEKS TO GO MOVE AHEAD 4 WEEKS TO GO HIT YOUR PEAK 3 WEEKS TO GO SHARPEN EVERY STEP This week is a great opportunity to look ahead to the athlete you want to be. Be that athlete now. Take on some faster paces and consider adjusting your race goals to match the runner you ve become. Your training will hit its peak this week. Be prepared to work hard, be tired and enjoy every minute of it. You don t taper. You sharpen. This week the speed picks up but the recovery picks up even more. It s quality running and quality recovery from now on. 2 WEEKS TO GO 1 WEEK TO GO MAINTAIN YOUR WORK THE STARTING LINE You have done the training. Now it s time to maintain this body of work. As the intensity dials itself down, it s important to focus on sleep, hydration, diet and fun. You ve made it. Run strong and confidently this week. Use what you have learned and the progress you have made. You are read to take the line. 11

12 14 WEEKS TO GO A STARTING LINE This week you will begin your journey with a series of runs and light workouts that will introduce you to the training plan. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. We recommend recovering with a 2-5 mile Progression Run. Start slow and quicken your pace over the course of your run. Easy does it. Run a few Recovery miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. 800 meters at 10k pace 800 meters at Tempo pace 800 meters at 5k pace 800 meters at Tempo pace 400 meters at Mile pace 800 meters at Tempo pace (2x) 200 meters at Mile pace 800 meters at Tempo pace 90-second recovery between each interval. 4 MILES This is your longest run of the week. Run this distance consistently to build your endurance for race day. In these early weeks, the goal is to get your body used to longer distances. Don t worry too much about the pace, it should feel comfortable. After the run, look over your mile splits on the Nike+ Running App, which will serve as a great benchmark for future runs. Fartlek Follow this time-based interval sequence, alternating from an easy to a hard pace without stopping. 1-min easy pace, 1-min hard pace 2-min easy, 2-min hard 3-min easy, 3-min hard 1-min easy, 1-min hard 2-min easy, 2-min hard 3-min easy, 3-min hard The purpose of today s 2-5 mile run is to recover after your last workout. Gradually build up speed so your last mile is your fastest. Go for a few Recovery miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. Give your body whatever it craves today. 12

13 13 WEEKS TO GO set good habits Time to develop new habits. This week draws special attention to the how and why of the training. Work on building stamina and proper pacing on workout days. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed & Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended miles. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. (16x) 400 meters alternating between your 10k pace and your 5k pace. Follow each 400-meter interval with 2 minutes of rest. Focus on control as you recover from your last workout. Recover with 2-5 Progression miles. Gradually build speed from your first mile to your last. 4 MILES Your longest run yet. Run this distance consistently to prepare your mind and body for race day. Now that you ve made it this far, start to pay more attention to the quality of your pace over the course of your runs. Try to maintain a pace that is seconds slower than your goal pace for race day. Recovery miles are as important as your Speed and Endurance Runs. Try running 2-5 miles progressively today. Start slow and gradually build your speed so your last mile is faster than your first. Today is about recovering. Give your body what it craves by running a few Recovery miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. HILLS Run up a short hill at your Mile pace for 25 seconds. Repeat 6x. Run up a long hill at your 5k pace for 60 seconds. Repeat 6x. Run up a short hill at your Mile pace for 25 seconds. Repeat 6x. Jog back downhill between intervals. Go for a few Progression miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. Give your body what it craves today. 13

14 12 WEEKS TO GO Develop Consistency In your third week of training, you will now begin to feel a rhythm to your running. The secret to running well is consistency. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast meters at 10k pace 500 meters at 5k pace 500 meters at 5k pace 200 meters at Mile pace 400 meters at 5k pace 400 meters at 5k pace (5x) 200 meters at Mile pace 90 seconds of recovery after each interval. Get the most out of today with a 2-5 mile run that lets you recover as efficiently as possible. Build your speed gradually so your first mile is your slowest and your last is your fastest. Today is about recovering. Give your body what it craves by running a few Recovery miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. 6 MILES Running this distance consistently will help prepare the body and mind to go the distance on race day. In these early weeks, the goal is to get your body used to longer distances. Don t worry too much about the pace; it should feel comfortable. After the run, look over your mile splits on the Nike+ Running App, which will serve as a great benchmark for future runs. (8x) 100-meter Strides (2x) 1200 meters at 10k pace (1x) 1200 meters at Marathon pace (2x) 1200 meters at 10k pace (8x) 100-meter Strides 3 minutes of recovery between each interval. We recommend recovering with a 2-5 mile Progression Run. Start slow and quicken your pace over the course of your run. Give your body what it craves today by running a few easy miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. 14

15 11 WEEKS TO GO LEARN TO FOCUS Training this week may tax you both physically and mentally. Be focused in the moment and by preparing ahead of time for each day s workout. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. Recover from your last effort with a 2-5 mile Progression Run. Start slow and quicken your pace over the course of your run. (4x) 200 meters at Mile pace 400 meters at 5k pace (4x) 200 meters at Mile pace 400 meters at 5k pace (4x) 200 meters at Mile pace 400 meters at 5k pace (4x) 100 meters as turnarounds 60 seconds recovery after 200s 2 minutes recovery after 400s 6 MILES Your longest run yet. Run this distance consistently to prepare your mind and body for race day. Now that you ve made it this far, start to pay more attention to the quality of your pace over the course of your runs. Try to maintain a pace that is seconds slower than your goal pace for race day. The purpose of today s 2-5 mile run is to recover after your last workout. Gradually build up speed so your last mile is your fastest. Easy does it. Run a few Recovery miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. TEMPO (4x) 150-meter Strides 3 mile Tempo (4x) 150-meter Strides Go for a few Recovery miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. Give your body whatever it craves today. 15

16 10 WEEKS TO GO BUILD UP STRENGTH The training so far has had its greatest effect on your strength. This week you will test that by taking on more strength work. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. Focus on control as you recover from your last workout. Recover with 2-5 Progression miles. Gradually build speed from your first mile to your last. (4x) 100 meters at Mile pace 1000 meters at 5k pace 400 meters at 10k pace (4x) 100 meters at Mile pace 400 meters at 10k pace 1000 meters at 5k pace (4x) 100 meters at Mile pace as turnarounds 90-second recovery after each interval. 8 MILES Running this distance consistently will help prepare the body and mind to go the distance on race day. Remember to pay more attention to the quality of your pace over the course of your runs. Try to maintain a pace that is seconds slower than your goal pace for race day. Recovery miles are as important as your Speed and Endurance Runs. Try running 2-5 miles progressively today. Start slow and gradually build your speed so your last mile is faster than your first. Today is about recovering. Give your body what it craves by running a few Recovery miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. TEMPO Run 4 miles at your Tempo pace. Push yourself up any hills along your route, but if you re on flat terrain then push yourself for 60 seconds every 5 minutes. Give your body what it craves today by running a few easy miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. 16

17 9 WEEKS TO GO PUSH Your endurance has improved. This week you will put it to work. Longer intervals and a longer Long Run are on the menu. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. (16x) 200 meters alternating between your 10k pace and your 5k pace. Follow each 200-meter interval with 90 seconds of rest. Get the most out of today with a 2-5 mile run that lets you recover as efficiently as possible. Build your speed gradually so your first mile is your slowest and your last is your fastest. 10 MILES Get ready to go the distance on race day with your week s longest run. Remember to pay more attention to the quality of your pace over the course of your runs. Try to maintain a pace that is seconds slower than your goal pace for race day. We recommend recovering with a 2-5 mile Progression Run. Start slow and quicken your pace over the course of your run. Today is about recovering. Give your body what it craves by running a few Recovery miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. HILLS Run up and over a hill 9x. Don t just stop at the top of the hill run for an additional 20 seconds when you reach the top. Go for a few Progression miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. Give your body what it craves today. 17

18 8 WEEKS TO GO PICK UP THE PACE This week, you re going to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Break out of the paces you ve set for yourself and try experimenting with new paces that test your limits. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. Recover from your last effort with a 2-5 mile Progression Run. Start slow and quicken your pace over the course of your run. (2x) 200 meters at Mile pace Split 800: 600 meters at 5k pace, then 200 meters at Mile pace 400 meters at 5k pace Split 800: 600 meters at 5k pace, then 200 meters at Mile pace 400 meters at 5k pace (2x) 200 meters at Mile pace 60-second recovery after 200-meter intervals. 2-minute recovery after all other intervals. 8 MILES This is your longest run of the week. Run this distance consistently to build your endurance for race day. Remember to pay more attention to the quality of your pace over the course of your runs. Try to maintain a pace that is seconds slower than your goal pace for race day. The purpose of today s 2-5 mile run is to recover after your last workout. Gradually build up speed so your last mile is your fastest. Easy does it. Run a few Recovery miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. 1 mile at your 10k pace 400 meters at Mile pace 800 meters at 5k pace Follow each interval with 3 minutes of recovery. Repeat series 2x. Go for a few Recovery miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. Give your body whatever it craves today. 18

19 7 WEEKS TO GO LOOK AHEAD This week, training shifts from foundational running and base workouts to getting race-ready. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. 400 meters at 10k pace (2x) 400 meters at 5k pace 400 meters at Mile pace 2-minute recovery between each interval. Repeat series 4x. Focus on control as you recover from your last workout. Recover with 2-5 Progression miles. Gradually build speed from your first mile to your last. 10 MILES Get ready to go the distance on race day with your week s longest run. Remember to pay more attention to the quality of your pace over the course of your runs. Try to maintain a pace that is seconds slower than your goal pace for race day. Recovery miles are as important as your Speed and Endurance Runs. Try running 2-5 miles progressively today. Start slow and gradually build your speed so your last mile is faster than your first. Today is about recovering. Give your body what it craves by running a few Recovery miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. Fartlek 1 mile at your Tempo pace Follow with this Fartlek sequence: 1-min at a hard pace, 30-sec easy pace 2-min hard, 1-min easy 3-min hard, 1:30-min easy 3-min hard, 1:30-min easy 2-min hard pace, 1-min easy 1-min at a hard pace, 30-sec easy 1 mile at Tempo pace Go for a few Progression miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. Give your body what it craves today. 19

20 6 WEEKS TO GO EMBRACE FAST You have been getting faster each week. Now it s time to be as fast as you can. This week you will be working on both your speed and strength. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. Get the most out of today with a 2-5 mile run that lets you recover as efficiently as possible. Build your speed gradually so your first mile is your slowest and your last is your fastest. 200 meters at Mile pace 45-sec recovery 800 meters at 10k pace 2-min recovery 200 meters at Mile pace 45-sec recovery 600 meters at 10k pace 2-min recovery 200 meters at Mile pace 45-sec recovery 400 meters at 10k pace 2-min recovery 800 meters at 5k pace 45-sec recovery 200 meters at Mile pace 2-min recovery 600 meters at 5k pace 45-sec recovery 200 meters at Mile pace 2-min recovery 400 meters at 5k pace 45-sec recovery 200 meters at Mile pace 8 MILES Running this distance consistently will help prepare the body and mind to go the distance on race day. You re almost there! For the last six weeks of training, monitor your average pace over the course of your runs. The mix of pace and distance will serve as an important ingredient to your success on race day. We recommend recovering with a 2-5 mile Progression Run. Start slow and quicken your pace over the course of your run. Today is about recovering. Give your body what it craves by running a few Recovery miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. INTERVALS 1000 meters at 10k pace 1000 meters at Tempo pace 1000 meters at 10k pace 1000 meters at Tempo pace 1000 meters at 10k pace 1000 meters at Tempo pace (6x) 100-meter strides 2-minute rest between each interval. 30 seconds between Strides. Give your body what it craves today by running a few easy miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. 20

21 5 WEEKS TO GO MOVE AHEAD This week is a great opportunity to look ahead to the athlete you want to be. Be that athlete now. Take on some faster paces and consider adjusting your race goals to match the runner you ve become. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. 300 meters at Mile pace 45-sec recovery 400 meters at 5k pace 2-min recovery 500 meters at 5k pace 2-min recovery 600 meters at 10k pace 2-min recovery 500 meters at 5k pace 2-min recovery 400 meters at 5k pace 2-min recovery 300 meters at Mile pace 45-sec recovery Recover from your last effort with a 2-5 mile Progression Run. Start slow and quicken your pace over the course of your run. 10 MILES Get ready to go the distance on race day with your week s longest run. For the last five weeks of training, monitor your average pace over the course of your runs. The mix of pace and distance will serve as an important ingredient to your success on race day. The purpose of today s 2-5 mile run is to recover after your last workout. Gradually build up speed so your last mile is your fastest. Easy does it. Run a few Recovery miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. TEMPO 4 mile Progression Run averaging your Tempo pace. (8x) 100-meter Strides Go for a few Recovery miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. Give your body whatever it craves today. 21

22 4 WEEKS TO GO hit your peak Your training will hit its peak this week. Be prepared to work hard, be tired and enjoy every minute of it. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. Focus on control as you recover from your last workout. Recover with 2-5 Progression miles. Gradually build speed from your first mile to your last. Start out your session with a 2-mile time trial running at your race-day pace. 10-minute recovery after 2 miles. 200 meters at 10k pace 200 meters at 5k pace 200 meters at Mile pace 200 meters at 10k pace 200 meters at 5k pace 200 meters at Mile pace 60-second recovery between intervals 11 MILES Running this distance consistently will help prepare the body and mind to go the distance on race day. You re almost there! For the last four weeks of training, monitor your average pace over the course of your runs. The mix of pace and distance will serve as an important ingredient to your success on race day. Recovery miles are as important as your Speed and Endurance Runs. Try running 2-5 miles progressively today. Start slow and gradually build your speed so your last mile is faster than your first. Today is about recovering. Give your body what it craves by running a few Recovery miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. TEMPO Run 6 miles today. The first 3 miles should be run at Recovery Run Pace. Run the last 3 miles at your faster Tempo Pace. Give your body what it craves today by running a few easy miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. 22

23 3 WEEKS TO GO sharpen every step You don t taper. You sharpen. This week the speed picks up but the recovery picks up even more. It s quality running and quality recovery from now on. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. Run 1 Mile: Alternate running 200 meters at Tempo pace then 200 meters at Mile pace. Follow with 4-minute recovery. Run 800m: 200m at Tempo pace then 200m at Mile pace. 2-minute recovery. Run 400m: 200m at Tempo pace then 200m at Mile pace. Get the most out of today with a 2-5 mile run that lets you recover as efficiently as possible. Build your speed gradually so your first mile is your slowest and your last is your fastest. 8 MILES Get ready to go the distance on race day with your week s longest run. For the last three weeks of training, monitor your average pace over the course of your runs. The mix of pace and distance will serve as an important ingredient to your success on race day. We recommend recovering with a 2-5 mile Progression Run. Start slow and quicken your pace over the course of your run. Today is about recovering. Give your body what it craves by running a few Recovery miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. HILLS Run uphill for 2 minutes preferably 90 seconds up and 30 seconds over a crest. Repeat 6x. If you don t have a hill, do a 2-minute Progression Run that builds from a 10k to a Mile pace and repeat 6x. Whether on a hill or flat, allow for a full recovery between intervals. Go for a few Progression miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. Give your body what it craves today. 23

24 2 WEEKS TO GO maintain your work You have done the training. Now it s time to maintain this body of work. As the intensity dials itself down, it s important to focus on sleep, hydration, diet and fun. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. (4x) 200 meters at Mile pace (2x) 400 meters at 10k pace (4x) 200 meters at 5k pace (2x) 400 meters at 10k pace (4x) 200 meters at Mile pace 60-second recovery between each interval. Recover from your last effort with a 2-5 mile Progression Run. Start slow and quicken your pace over the course of your run. 6 MILES Running this distance consistently will help prepare the body and mind to go the distance on race day. For the last two weeks of training, monitor your average pace over the course of your runs. The mix of pace and distance will serve as an important ingredient to your success on race day. The purpose of today s 2-5 mile run is to recover after your last workout. Gradually build up speed so your last mile is your fastest. Easy does it. Run a few Recovery miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. 1.5 mile Recovery Run (2x) 100-meter Strides 1000 meters at Tempo pace (2x) 100-meter Strides 1000 meters at Tempo pace 1.5 mile Recovery Run Go for a few Recovery miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. Give your body whatever it craves today. 24

25 1 WEEK TO GO the starting line You ve made it. This week, run strong and confident. Use what you have learned and the progress you have made. You are ready to take the line. You can modify the following sequence to suit your week, but don t do Speed and Endurance runs back-to-back and stick to the recommended distance. To round out your training, add N+TC workouts into your routine to get fit, fast. (2x) 200 meters at Mile pace (2x) 400 meters at 5k pace 800 meters at 10k pace (2x) 400 meters at Marathon pace (2x) 200 meters at Mile pace 2-minute recovery between each interval. Focus on control as you recover from your last workout. Recover with 2-5 Progression miles. Gradually build speed from your first mile to your last. race day HALF-MARATHON You ve made it. Run strong and confidently this week. Use what you have learned and the progress you have made. You are ready to take the line. Recovery miles are as important as your Speed and Endurance Runs. Try running 2-5 miles progressively today. Start slow and gradually build your speed so your last mile is faster than your first. Today is about recovering. Give your body what it craves by running a few Recovery miles, doing a N+TC workout or take the day off. 2 mile Recovery Run (8x) 100-meter Strides 1 mile Recovery Run Go for a few Progression miles, do a N+TC workout or take the whole day off. Give your body what it craves today. 25

26 sample Plan Breakdown Below is a sample weekly breakdown of the plan. If your schedule doesn t match the training schedule, adjust the training schedule to your needs. For best results, each week should include these key workouts Speed, Endurance and Recovery, but prioritize Speed and Endurance if you don t have time to do everything. Use this as a visual guide and get ready to tackle a Half-Marathon. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Miles Track Recovery Fartlek 2-5 Miles 4 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery Hills 2-5 Miles 4 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery Track 2-5 Miles 6 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery Tempo 2-5 Miles 6 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery Tempo 2-5 Miles 8 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery Hills 2-5 Miles 10 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery Track 2-5 Miles 8 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery Fartlek 2-5 Miles 10 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery INTERVALS 2-5 Miles 8 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery Tempo 2-5 Miles 10 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery TEMPO 2-5 Miles 11 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery Hills 2-5 Miles 8 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery Fartlek 2-5 Miles 6 Miles Recovery Miles Track Recovery Track Recovery 3 Miles Half-Marathon 26

27 RUN SMARTER. TRAIN BETTER. NIKE+ RUNNING APP COME RUN WITH US. N+TC APP Your personal trainer. Designed by Nike. Powered by friends. Crush your training with the Nike+ Running App. Track your route, distance, pace, time, calories and get real-time audio feedback to run better. Share photos, compare progress and get in-run cheers from friends to motivate you while you chase your goals. Recover better and get stronger during your training with the N+TC App. Choose from over 100 workouts by Nike Master Trainers and top athletes, get motivation from your crew, connect with the NTC community and train better together. Challenge yourself to earn NikeFuel and N+TC Minutes that are synced to your Nike+ profile. You can download the N+TC App and the Nike+ Running App from the itunes App Store for iphone and ipod Touch or from Google Play for Android phones.